The Buzz: Community bands a slice of Americana

Area band concerts a sign of summer

With the last few weeks of summer winding down, there’s still time left to take part in a old-time seasonal tradition.

Community band concerts have been a part of the American landscape for decades, with volunteer musicians coming together to play traditional and contemporary works.

Concerts are usually free and held in an outdoor, public space. Attendees bring lawn chairs and blankets for evening shows that last until the sun descends.

There are community bands throughout the Southern Tier and most still have shows left before fall begins.

The Sidney Community Band will host a show Wednesday in the Keith Clark Park pavilion at 6:30 p.m. and the Bainbridge Old-Time Band hosts the last show in its summer concert series Friday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m in the Bainbridge Village Green.

Summer band concerts will take on a foreign flair when Test’UT Big Band, from Binghamton’s sister city in La Teste-de-Buch, France performs Monday at 6 p.m. in Recreation Park. The Vestal Community Band, which played with Test’UT Big Band Aug. 14, has one concert left as well, on Thursday at 7 p.m. in Arnold Park.